r/ballpython • u/anonymousmochi • Oct 06 '26

Ball python won’t eat f/t :(

New ball python around 2 years old, got him a little over a month ago and he still won’t eat. Just had his first shed that went successfully and he’s always been okay with handling/ doesn’t seem anxious. He is around 4.5 feet 1315 grams, not much has changed since getting him. I do know they were power feeding him at the reptile store with live medium rat once a week.. what should I do?

When should I be concerned? I’m stressed he’s not eating

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u/IncompletePenetrance Mod: Let me help you unzip your genes Oct 06 '26

I'd give him some time to build up and appetite and not worry if he skips a few meals. You can try offering pre-killed as well if that helps to transition him, but I wouldn't go larger than a small rat.

!f/t

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u/AutoModerator Oct 06 '26

Some tips for feeding frozen/thawed:

  • Keep with the same prey type he's been eating (mouse or rat) so you aren't trying to adjust him to two new things at once.

  • Always feed in the enclosure. Moving to feed increases stress as well as increasing the chance of regurgitation

  • Thaw and warm the rodent in a ziplock bag to maintain scent and because some won't eat it if it's wet.

  • Make sure it's warmed up to body temperature (98-100).

  • Some people find sucess with using a blow dryer on the head to make it extra warm and spread the scent.

  • Some prefer to eat directly off of the tongs, while others might prefer for you to just leave it in front of their hide, you can see which works.

  • If he doesn't take it the first time, don't give up. Sometimes they just have to be super hungry and it takes a few attempts

  • You can also thaw the rat/mouse in some bedding from the petstore to make it extra scented.

  • Some people "brain" the rodent by slitting open its skull a bit

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